Large-firm, college savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) financial advisors in Des Moines, IA
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
When you're planning for college expenses, you need an advisor who understands the specific rules and benefits of 529 plans and UTMA accounts. Without this expertise, you might miss out on tax advantages or choose the wrong savings vehicle for your goals. Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of resources and institutional support, which can influence the options they recommend.
- Plan selection insight. Ask how they evaluate different college savings accounts to fit your family's financial situation and education goals.
- Tax implications. Confirm they explain how contributions and withdrawals affect your taxes, including any state-specific benefits.
- Investment options. Inquire about the variety and flexibility of investment choices within the plans they suggest.
- Coordination with financial goals. See how they integrate college savings strategies with your overall financial plan, not treating it as an isolated task.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kevin P
Series 63, Series 66
Des Moines, IA
Edward Jones
Kevin Pearson's 31 years of experience and focus on college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts make him well-equipped to guide families in Des Moines through education funding strategies. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, blending college savings with broader retirement and estate planning expertise.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Richard Y
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Des Moines, IA
LPL Financial
Richard Yoder's 28 years of experience and Series 63, 65, and 66 credentials equip him to navigate college savings options like 529 plans and UTMA accounts effectively within a large firm setting. His flat-fee structure and expertise in wealth management and tax-loss harvesting provide a comprehensive approach, distinguishing him from others by integrating college savings with broader financial and retirement planning.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $399,489
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Reagan A
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Merrill
Reagan Adjei specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by seven years of experience at Merrill, a large firm in West Des Moines. Their approach integrates college savings with broader wealth management and retirement planning, catering to mid-career professionals and high earners, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Brandon N
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Charles Schwab
Brandon Neil's 18 years of experience at Charles Schwab, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients, equips him to navigate the complexities of college savings plans like 529s and UTMAs in the Des Moines area. His expertise in multi-state taxation and private investments, combined with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishes him by offering integrated strategies that align college savings with broader financial goals.
Experience: 18 years
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Matthew G
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Matthew Gasser specializes in college savings plans like 529s and UTMA accounts, supported by nine years of experience and a large-firm environment at Empower Advisory Group in West Des Moines. His flat-fee and monthly subscription pricing, combined with expertise in retirement and Social Security strategies, offers a comprehensive approach that integrates college savings with broader financial goals, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $565,063
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